Friday, August 24, 2012

Goldenrod signals summer's end

Photo: Goldenrod at White Rock beach

Goldenrod, solidago canadensis, is a common wildflower across Canada. According to the University of Maryland Medical Centre, it is sometimes blamed for allergies, but has also been used to treat ailments including arthritis, gout, and asthma, and has diuretic properties.

Said by some to prevent or alleviate kidney stones, goldenrod tea is a folk remedy for urinary tract infections.

For me, goldenrod is a pleasant reminder of late-summer childhood rambles in Northern BC, and a harbinger of autumn.